Explainer | What can Hong Kong do to reverse its low birth rate? We look at proposals – from extending sperm and embryo storage to even universal suffrage
- Number of childless couples has doubled in five years, according to Family Planning Association survey
- Proposals raised include allowing organisations to provide arranged surrogacy services and increasing the child allowance
Hong Kong’s struggle with a low birth rate is back in the spotlight after the latest census data suggested the number of babies born between June last year and June this year had continued to drop – at a mere 32,600 from 35,100 in the preceding 12 months.
The government also projected the birth rate to remain low in the coming decades, counting on foreign labour imports and overseas talent recruitment as the main drivers of population.
A latest survey by the Family Planning Association found that the number of childless couples had doubled in five years while the average number of children born per couple also dropped to a record low of 0.9.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has promised to consider public suggestions on ways to boost the birth rate.
The Post takes a closer look at proposals raised by political parties and experts:
1. Prolonging storage of eggs, sperm and embryos
New People’s Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, also convenor of the key decision-making Executive Council which advises the city’s leader, proposed to lengthen the permitted storage period for eggs, sperm and embryos from 10 to 55 years.
